Eurowings, a low-cost carrier that is part of the Lufthansa Group, will launch flights between Cologne and Cape Town on November 5.

This follows the launch of flights between Cologne and Windhoek in July.

The flight will depart from Cologne on Sundays and return from Cape Town on Mondays.

Until March 19, flight EW126 will depart Cologne at 23h20 and arrive in Cape Town at 12h30 the next day. Flight EW127 will depart Cape Town at 18h45 and arrive in Cologne 05h50 the next day.

From March 25 to April 29, flight EW126 will depart Cologne at 23h20 and arrive in Cape Town at 11h30. From March 26 to April 30, flight EW127 will depart Cape Town at 17h45 and arrive in Cologne at 05h50.

The new routes will be serviced by an Airbus A330-200 with 21 seats in Premium Economy, 46 in Economy+ and 243 in Economy. For a complete breakdown of Eurowings’ BEST, SMART and BASIC fares, agents should refer to its fare breakdowns.

Fares start from €480 but are subject to change.

All fares are bookable on the GDS.

The new flights have been welcomed. Vicky Steinhardt, Product Manager of Pentravel said “it would open up more affordable travel…previously clients had to fly via Frankfurt or Munich”, adding that she expected the routes to be filled quickly.

Cologne is near the borders of The Netherlands and Belgium, which means the new route to Cape Town will not only open up accessibility from the German market, but also from neighbouring countries. There are no longer direct flights from Belgium, and Brussels is only 216 km from Cologne.

Cape Town International Airport will receive a major upgrade in an effort to transform the tourism sector, one of the important economic growth drivers.

“Airlift is an important driver of the economic policy,” said James Vos, the Democratic Alliance shadow minister of tourism. Vos was addressing delegates at the second THINC Africa conference, taking place in Cape Town.

According to a statement, the upgrade includes an extra long runway able to accommodate large planes such as the A380, after environmental approval was received to proceed with the new developments.

Vos said that alleviating the current constraints at Cape Town International would unlock more opportunities and more direct flights to the Western Cape. Upgrades to OR Tambo International were vital too as it is the gateway to Africa.

“We also need to look at upgrading rail and roads if we want to grow domestic tourism. Affordability is an issue and flying is very expensive in South Africa. We also need to streamline aviation taxes to make flying more accessible to more people. Currently we pay VAT, airport tax and a fuel levy on a single airfare,” he said.

Vos reiterated the worlds of head of SA Tourism, Sisa Ntshona, who said earlier that the tourism body wanted to increase domestic tourism by an extra one million people within five years.

He further said that transformation of the tourism sector was vital to South Africa’s future. “We have to break down the barriers. Tourism must be inclusive and we should be developing tourism entrepreneurs from the ground up, so small businesses can become big business.”

The role of the tourism accommodation grading council was under review too, he said, and it could become a “perfect tool for transformation in terms of accommodation and would give more product owners an incentive to join”.

Tim Smith, managing partner of HVS in South Africa, hosts of the THINC Africa conference, pointed out that on a recent road trip with his family, during the July holidays, a number of establishments in smaller towns and rural areas were closed.“For four nights in a row, we were the only people in the hotels on our route,” Smith said.

Vos agreed that destinations had to be available all year round. “We are looking at ways to fill these gaps,” he said.

The start for the 2018 Cape Town Cycle Tour will move from its traditional position on Hertzog Boulevard to the historic Grand Parade Precinct.

“The City effectively enticed us back to our ‘routes” – David Bellairs

“Our participants’ safety will always come first,” says David Bellairs, a Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust. “2017 was a year of incredible learnings. We believe now – as we did then – that the right decision was made on the day.

Nothing could have prepared the team for the challenges thrown at us in the lead up to the 2017 Cape Town Cycle Tour and nobody was more disappointed at the cancellation than the team who had spent the entire year preparing for the 40th Cape Town Cycle Tour. After the issues we had with wind at this year’s start, we immediately reviewed and re-assessed our options for 2018.”

“We needed to be responsive in respect of this year’s challenges and look to mitigate the wind risk. We realise that there are very few areas in Cape Town that are immune to the Cape Doctor, but believe with this move that at least participants will not again be subjected to the sort of wind vortices created by the tunnels at the base of the civic center, these being exacerbated by the extraordinarily strong winds prevailing on the morning of this year’s event.

An extensive amount of work has gone into understanding and looking into risk mitigation procedures and we are in the process of revising our wind guidelines as they relate to the start, route and finish precinct. This is being done in conjunction with Disaster Management Services, City of Cape Town, Pedal Power Association and experts in the meteorological field.”

Bellairs continues: “We are very grateful for the upgrades and rejuvenation that the City of Cape Town has already undertaken, and has planned for the Grand Parade Precinct.

Following discussions with all stakeholders and particularly our partners at The City of Cape Town, we have made the decision to move the start to the Grand Parade Precinct.

The Cape Town Cycle Tour is an iconic event – and the Grand Parade, overlooked by City Hall with the backdrop of Table Mountain, is a globally iconic event venue. The City effectively enticed us back to our ‘routes’: in 1978, 525 cyclists set off from the roads outside the castle on the first ever Cycle Tour (then called The Argus Tour).

City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith, said, “The City of Cape Town is proud to host next year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour, which has become one of the highlights on the city’s events calendar. This prestigious race is the world's largest individually timed cycle tour, and takes participants along some of Cape Town’s most picturesque and scenic routes.

While the start of the race changes in 2018, we look forward to welcoming organisers and cyclists to an exciting event. Our support of the Cape Town Cycle Tour forms part of our strategy to attract even more events to the city. We hope our visitors and resident cyclists enjoy the race and natural beauty of the Cape.

The City of Cape Town remains committed to doing all we can to promote cycling and to ensure a safe environment for cyclists on our roads.”

Bellairs continues “The Grand Parade Start Precinct will broaden the scope for expansion and improving the overall Cycle Tour experience for participants. A more consolidated precinct will enable us to create a more welcoming environment at the start with the possible inclusion of a breakfast hospitality zone and a more expansive offering of services. Space constraints in Hertzog Boulevard mitigated against such improvements. The move will also free up the central MyCiti bus station located at the Civic Centre.”

On Sunday, 11 March 2018, riders will gather on the historic Grand Parade and line up in Castle Street alongside the Castle of Good Hope and will follow the usual route around the Peninsula to the finish.

Changes are also in the pipeline for the race village at Green Point, which will see a substantial new offering to both corporate and general entrants.

Entries Open

David Bellairs confirmed that every rider who entered and registered for the 2017 Cape Town Cycle Tour by collecting their number/race pack at the Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo, will receive a preferential entry prior to general entries opening. Entry fees for these riders will remain fixed at 2017 rates.

General and international entry applications to the 2018 Cape Town Cycle Tour will open on 20 September 2017. Corporate entries will be made available via a corporate hospitality package. This information will be available in more detail from the end of September 2017.

For more information on the 2018 Cape Town Cycle Tour, please visit or follow on Facebook , Twitter (@CTCycleTour) and on Instagram (@ctcycletour).

New to the Two Oceans Aquarium, and displayed for the first time - ever - the pink meanie (Drymonema sp.) is an extremely rare species of true jelly.

The pink meanie has only ever sighted a few times in conjunction with intense blooms of other jelly species, particularly moon jellies on which it feeds in the Northern Hemisphere.

The particular pink meanie at the Two Oceans Aquarium differs from pink meanies found in other parts of the world.

It is thought to be endemic, as this variety has only been observed around the southwestern coast of Africa, an unusual habitat for Drymonema - all other known species inhabit warm waters, such as the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Interestingly, although more thoroughly studied than our local species, the Mexican pink meanie (Drymonema larsoni), was only discovered in the year 2000. A Mediterranean relative known as the "Big Pink Jellyfish" (Drymonema dalmatinum) has been known to science since the 1800s, but when spotted in 2014 it had been almost 70 years since the last sighting.

Rarity of pink meanie

These jellies are incredibly rare, and this new South African species is no exception.

Due to its rarity, the South African species has not been classified and we know very little about it. The specimen on display at the Two Oceans Aquarium was actually collected accidentally, netted outside of the Aquarium while collecting box jellies and was added to our compass jelly holding tank over the weekend. Much to their surprise, on Monday morning all the compass jellies appeared to be sticking together - an odd occurence as they have adaptations to avoid becoming entangled.

On closer inspection, it was revealed that the compass jellies had all been ensnared by an unnoticed newcomer. With much excitement, the jelly handler realised that it was in fact a pink meanie - an animal he described as "the unicorn of jellies".

In a first for the African continent, the City of New York and the City of Cape Town signed a historic city-to-city partnership agreement on Wednesday to boost tourism and business between the two iconic destinations.

NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon and Cape Town Tourism’s CEO Enver Duminy officially confirmed the agreement at a signing ceremony in New York City on Wednesday.Travel between Cape Town and New York is expected to increase because of this new alliance. The partnership will see the two cities collaborate in a number ways, including sharing best practices in tourism marketing and using their respective marketing platforms to promote reciprocal travel between the cities.“Today, we are proud to sign a first-ever partnership with Cape Town, one of the world’s most iconic and beautiful cities,” said Dixon. “New York City and Cape Town share a lot in common as capital cities of culture, cuisine and design, and we look forward to cultivating this productive tourism relationship in the year ahead. “This announcement has been years in the making, but at the outset it was clear that New York is the ideal city for collaboration with Cape Town,” said Duminy. “We’re greatly encouraged by this tourism twinning agreement, after all, a city with a global reputation for world-class tourism is acknowledging that we have just as much value to offer the global traveler. We look forward to this partnership and to sharing the benefits with our communities.”The partnership is expected to see the City of Cape Town promoted on bus stop shelters and LinkNYC kiosks, which reaches millions of local and global visitors to New York. In Cape Town, similar marketing campaigns will promote the Big Apple to South Africans. Travellers can also look forward to special offers and incentives from third-party providers of flights and accommodation.South Africa accounts for a nearly 30 percent share of African visitors to New York City. The United States is currently Cape Town’s second largest international source market. In 2015, 30 percent of arrivals to Cape Town from the US originated at or traveled via New York City airports.

Glen Avon Lodge is a family run boutique hotel in the heart of Cape Town's leafy Constantia Valley. Annette and David Stringer along with their daughter Wendy ensure a "home from home" welcome in this gracious Cape Dutch Manor House with its beautiful rose gardens and solar heated pools.

Last year the family bought the property next door and have since rejoined the two grounds and redeveloped the next door property into "The Gables" at Glen Avon, which is ideal for families who want to hire out the whole house – or as a businessman's "home from home" retreat, although individual suites can be booked too. It offers 4 deluxe suites, all with private patios or balconies – plus a self-contained two bedroomed cottage.

Because it also has a large open plan lounge and dining area (ninety square meters), leading out onto an outside patio area overlooking the pond and a fully equipped kitchen – it is ideal for small private celebratory functions for groups of up to 50 guests – be it a private breakfast party, high tea birthday celebration, family Christmas lunch – or even an intimate wedding!

The team can co-ordinate anything guests may need – from celebratory cakes, to table decor and flowers including amazing food for which Glen Avon is known, complemented by a selection of local wines from the surrounding Constantia vineyards. For more info contact Ethos Marketing.

Richard Bodin, fastjet’s Chief Operating Officer, told Tourism Updatethe route was still in the early phases and flights would be launched in the fourth quarter of this year at the earliest, although a later date was foreseeable.

According to Bodin, the airline’s routes from Johannesburg to Zimbabwe continue to see growth, especially its flights to Victoria Falls. The airline flies a double-daily service to Harare and to Victoria Falls three times a week. It also services Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar in Tanzania.

However, Bodin pointed out that, despite strong passenger demand, a strong dollar has negatively affected the airline’s revenue. As a result, it had trimmed down frequencies on marginal routes and there would be little in the way of new routes until next year, said Bodin. He added that there were other destinations the airline was contemplating for new routes, but declined to give details on these.

Glen Avon Lodge is a superbly located Boutique Hotel in the Constantia Winelands in Cape Town.Offering 16 luxurious rooms all with en-suite bathroom and stylish decor, this unique property offers excellent value for money in the heart of the Constantia Winelands a mere 20 minutes for Cape Town City but a stones throw from Kirstenbosch Gardens, Simonstown and Fish Hoek.

Offering some wonderful special packages for 2014, making it even easier to offer this to your clients.

THE CONSTANTIA RETREATBooking Code: retreat14Enjoy a three night Bed and Breakfast stay for two people sharing in a Superior roomRate: R3,100 per person sharing

Includes:This offer includes wine tasting and a cellar tour for two at Groot Constantia winery and a vouchr for a free main course, when a main course of equal or greater value is purchased at Jonkershuis Restaurant at Groot Constantia.

Validity:1st May 2014 - 30th September 2014

THE TWO NIGHT GETAWAYBooking Code: getaway14Enjoy a two night Bed and Breakfast stay for two people sharing in a superior room.Rate: R2,205 per person sharing

Includes:Breakfast

Validity:1st May 2014 - 30th September 2014

EARLY SUMMER SPECIALBooking Code: summer14Enjoy a three night Bed and Breakfast stay for two people sharing in a superior room.Rate: R5,530 per person sharing

Includes:This offer includes Canapes, a glass of sparkling wine and a three course gourmet dinner for two

Validity:1st October 2014 - 10th November 20141st December 2014 - 10th December 2014

For more information and bookings please contact your Tour Operator or South African Ground Handler

Louis Group Hotels, Spas & Vineyards is a collection of sophisticated four and five star properties in South Africa. Each hotel is carefully selected to be part of the management group with top standards fluent throughout the portfolio.

Boutique Travel Marketing Ltd has been marketing these products to the UK since 2007 and we have seen them grow and mature over the years. Below are a few updates on the various hotels and restaurants.

Devon Valley Hotel honoured in the 2013 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Hotels AwardsThe Devon Valley Hotel has announced that it was chosen as a winner in the Bargain category by TripAdvisor in its 2013 Traveller's Choice awards.

Now in its eleventh year, the annual TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards honour the world's best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best - real travellers. Unlike any other hotel honours, TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travellers around the world.

"TripAdvisor is once again thrilled to recognise the world's most outstanding hotels with the help of more than 75 million reviews and opinions from travellers around the globe" said Christine Petersen, president, TripAdvisor for Business. "From the best bargain hotels to top luxury properties, outstanding service, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travellers' Choice winners"

Devon Valley Hotel is located 6km outside the centre of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape Winelands. Overlooking the vines of the Sylvanvale Vineyards Devon Valley offers guests a wonderfully relaxed environment after a full day of sightseeing and winetasting.

The renowned Erinvale Estate Hotel and Spa had its annual grading inspection recently and passed with flying colours. A special mention was made of the alterantions and renovations done in the past year. "It is encouraging to note the improved trading environment for this hotel. Guests feedback programs indicate that high service standards are being maintaine" said inspector Mark Goveia.

Steeped in history, surrounded by the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains, neighbouring the magnificent Erinvale Golf course, the Erinvale Estate Hotel and Spa offers guests a peaceful and memorable stay. Set amongst private gardens, cobbled walkways and beautiful oak trees, the estate is only 40 minutes from Cape Town and 20 minutes from Cape Town International airport, the magnificent beaches at the Strand are also only 15 minutes from the entry to the hotel.

The home of distinctive and captivating hospitality, service is of paramount importance at Erinvale, with great emphasis placed on it. This is clearly evident from latest Trip Advisor win by the Hotel - a Certificate of Excellence Award - a compliment to the committed management and staff, by the industry.

Foreign and local guests have been returning to the property repeatedly for many years, in some cases as many as 15 years, often bringing their fmailies to join them on their holidays. This has resulted in generational travelling, which is a high accoldae for all who work with such dedication at this unique hotel, in the Heart of the Helderberg.

Glen Avon Lodge in Constantia Cape Town has a new and vibrant website. With much more detailed information and online availability now as an option, it makes for easier quoting to your client.

Glen Avon Lodge, a client of Boutique Travel Marketing is one of Cape Town's premier guest houses. With 15 superior luxury rooms and easy access to top desitantions like the Cape Town waterfront, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch gardens and The wine route, White sandy beaches and so much more.

Ranked 3 of 28 Constantia B&B's, you know your clients will have the best stay here with excellent cuisine. One trip advisor user rated the food of a higher quality than one of the top restaurants in Franschhoek and less expensive.

Visit the website on www.glenavon.co.za for more information and images.For constant information and something you can share with your clients - view and save the IBROCHURE